When Should You Use Them?

Straps are typically used on pull days, aka “back days.” For example, if you’re deadlifting without straps, your forearms will most likely give out before your posterior chain gives out. By using straps, you will be able to pull more weight, thus activating more muscle fibers on that posterior chain.

That can be beneficial for growth 🙂

You can use them for a variety of rowing or pull down movements.

(Sidenote: Straps technically could be used on “arm day.” I don’t do it but I guess it could be done.)

When Should You Not Use Them?

If your goal is to develop forearm strength then it would be better to avoid straps. If you are specifically training forearms, say for example by doing farmers walks, you’ll want the forearms to take the brunt of the work load.

So as you can see, it really depends on what you’re focusing on. They can be extremely beneficial for one thing but detrimental for another.

I explain them in a bit greater detail in the video below. Check it out here: